Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has urged young people to use technology responsibly to promote peace, unity and development across West Africa.
Speaking at the 2026 West Africa Youth Day celebration on September 8, she said the rapid spread of information through digital platforms has given young people significant influence over society.
According to her, technology can be used to create opportunities and strengthen communities, but can also amplify misinformation, prejudice and anger.
“Young people now inhabit spaces where information, anger, prejudice and falsehood can cross borders in seconds,” she said.
She, however, noted that digital platforms offer opportunities to connect communities, expand access to knowledge and drive innovation.
“The same technology can also connect communities, spread knowledge, and create opportunities that previous generations could hardly have imagined,” she stated.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged the youth to make responsible choices when sharing information and engaging with others, particularly those with different backgrounds and views.
“The information you choose to share, the way you handle disagreement, and the willingness to work with people beyond your own circles all contribute in different ways to the kind of region we will become,” she said.
She stressed that young people have an important role to play in shaping peaceful societies through their education, businesses, careers and relationships.
“Never forget the difference you can make,” she told participants.
The Vice President said while governments, families, religious institutions, communities and civil society have roles to play in promoting peace, young people’s contribution remains critical to West Africa’s future.
She urged participants to leave the celebration determined to apply what they had learned to advance peace and development in their communities.
